Talent show to raise funds to build playground in Little Falls

All is eerily quiet since the Benton Hall playground was razed about a year ago.

“It’s been really sad to go by the playground. It’s basically silent all year,” Little Falls Rotary President Christine Van Meter said, adding the playground apparently was determined to be unsafe because of rotting wood underneath it.

All is eerily quiet since the Benton Hall playground was razed about a year ago.

“It’s been really sad to go by the playground. It’s basically silent all year,” Little Falls Rotary President Christine Van Meter said, adding the playground apparently was determined to be unsafe because of rotting wood underneath it.

Each year the Rotary has a play or talent show to raise money for a scholarship to give to a high school senior in Little Falls, but this year Van Meter said the proceeds are going to building a new playground.

“For years the playground was beloved as a hub for families and children to enjoy healthy outdoor fun, so we knew we had to partner with (the Little Falls High School Future Business Leaders of America) to do whatever it takes to help raise the funds …” she said.

Saturday at 7:30 p.m. musical performances by local musicians and students will break the silence at Benton Hall Academy in Little Falls as part of the Little Falls Got Talent fundraiser hosted at the school at 1 Ward Square.

The event will feature folk, country, jazz and pop performances with acts from Leslie Kubica, the high school saxophone ensemble, the Dixielanders and many more, according to a news release.

“The whole community has been working to get the playground back up and running,” Van Meter said.

Many organizations and individuals have banded together to raise money for the cause, she added.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students, and will be available at the door.

Donations for those who can’t attend also are welcome, Van Meter said.

For more information, contact Van Meter at 823-9200.

She added that $29 was received from a second grader who couldn’t come to Saturday’s performance. “He insisted to his mom on emptying his piggy bank,” she said.